They are fixed length and are designed to keep you in place, rather than arrest a fall. SRLs) can cause more injuries than almost any other kind of fall protection when they aren't used properly. If you cant use an overhead anchorage, however, energy absorbing lanyards are ideal for fall protection. The Write Stuff Source: Pinterest Need a writing utensil at all times? Workers and employers lacked connectors that could both enable workplace mobility and effectively protect against falls. Before you ever need to do work that requires using an SRL, it is crucial that you have received training and understand how to use it safely. 5 Lanyards with Badge Reels - Free Ship!! This could be something like rust, frayed wiring, discoloration, cracks, rips, anything that looks compromising to the system. Why? There must be enough clearance beneath your working surface to accommodate you in the event that a fall occurs. While proper pre-use inspections can catch potential problems, caring for your equipment can help prevent issues from developing. ANSI mandates that self-retracting lifelines must support as little as 130 lbs and as much as 310 lbs. Every single situation is different and employers need to work with employees to ensure that the correct solution is in place. Having described and defined the basic types, there are also two classes that are specified in the ANSI Z359.14 standard that apply to the SRL, SRL-R and the SRL-P. Class A devices are those which, when subjected to Dynamic Performance Testing, will have an arrest distance which shall not exceed 24 inches, a Maximum Arrest Force of 1,800 pounds and an Average Arrest Force of 1,350 pounds. Anchorages, except window cleaners' belt anchors covered by paragraph (e) of this section, must be: Capable of supporting at least 5,000 pounds (22.2 kN) for each employee attached; or. In my experience, it is not uncommon to hear of self-retracting lifelines and/or lanyards daisy-chained together to create a longer connection to an anchor point. But you cant choose the proper equipment if you dont understand the options available. The link above leads to an article that shows you that you are going to need a minimum 18.5 of clearance in order to use one of these. 1910.140 - Personal fall protection systems. What are the Differences Between Many of the Common SRLs? Start enjoying improved workplace safety and flexibility by finding your self-retracting lifelines today. Here are some safety precautions to be aware of when using a retractable: Retractable lanyards are designed to arrest free falls within inches. The employer must ensure that each horizontal lifeline: Is designed, installed, and used under the supervision of a qualified person; and. It is measured as the distance between the location of an employee's body harness attachment point at the moment of activation (at the onset of fall arrest forces) of the deceleration device during a fall, and the location of that attachment point after the employee comes to a full stop. This could be an anchor point, an overhead rigid rail system, a horizontal lifeline, etc. Each category could be further broken-down, but essentially there are three types of lanyards: shock-absorbing lanyards, self-retracting lanyards (or SRLs), and positioning lanyards. Non-Locking Snap Hooks Two non-locking snap hooks should never be attached to one another or hooked back onto their own lanyard, with the exception of certified tie-back lanyards. Self-retracting lanyard/lifelines are popular devices among professionals who work at height. Buying fall protection from FallTech means gaining access to a comprehensive safety resource. They offer extra length to increase your workers range of motion throughout the job site. See the manufacturer's instructions for details. Start by inspecting the housing for cracks or damage. Inspect Your SRL. Remove questionable or damaged gear from service. In the event that there is any free-fall input whatsoever, the performance characteristics will change, perhaps considerably particularly with respect to the SRL-P or Personal Device. These self-retracting lifelines had been in use for quite some time and, as they had gotten smaller, lighter, and more inexpensive, One of the most versatile pieces of fall protection equipment is the double tie off lanyard, also known as the Y-lanyard. They should feel confident that it is working properly. This new breed of lanyard has become a popular choice among safety professionals in recent years. (i) In a harness as an integral attachment element or fall arrest attachment; (ii) In a lanyard, energy absorber, lifeline, or anchorage connector as an integral connector; or. They are also typically lighter and less expensive. Release the lifeline and allow it to retract under light tension. It is highly recommended that SRL devices be used overhead whenever possible. Equivalent means alternative designs, equipment, materials, or methods that the employer can demonstrate will provide an equal or greater degree of safety for employees compared to the designs, equipment, materials, or methods specified in the standard. Its additional length and ease of movement also support many more applications than a lanyard. Report it immediately to your supervisor or EHS officer. How does a self-retracting lifeline protect you if you fall? Burk is President of Medsafe, La Porte, TX. Lanyards and vertical lifelines must have a minimum breaking strength of 5,000 pounds (22.2 kN). The width of the window sill or ledge in front of the mullions is at least 6 inches (15.2 cm) wide. Video Q&A - What's your safety network like? Unfortunately, some personal SRL designs are uncomfortable to carry, which may prompt some workers to work without them. The next step is to ensure that whatever the SRL is attaching to is safe. As technology advanced, regulations did too. Travel restraint system means a combination of an anchorage, anchorage connector, lanyard (or other means of connection), and body support that an employer uses to eliminate the possibility of an employee going over the edge of a walking-working surface. Take a moment to check with your supplier about this option. These seem to be the most popular types, mostly because they are easy to use and its very obvious if theyve been deployed or not. Are your products actually ANSI compliant, or just labeled ANSI? When are employers allowed to conduct drug and alcohol tests on their employees? Extreme conditions cause the components of your fall protection to break down faster. Retractables also arrest falls faster than EALs, minimizing the amount of force placed on the worker. If the system is used by an employee having a combined body and tool weight of 310 pounds (140kg) or more and the employer has appropriately modified the criteria and protocols in appendix D, then the system will be deemed to be in compliance with the requirements of paragraphs (d)(1)(i) through (iii). Anchorages used to attach to personal fall protection equipment on mobile work platforms on powered industrial trucks must be attached to an overhead member of the platform, at a point located above and near the center of the platform. It is important to remember that, as with any fall arrest PPE, training and inspection are king. Qualified describes a person who, by possession of a recognized degree, certificate, or professional standing, or who by extensive knowledge, training, and experience has successfully demonstrated the ability to solve or resolve problems relating to the subject matter, the work, or the project. Cable is the most durable and common option, but webbing or rope lifelines may be more appropriate for your needs. As long as the tension is maintained, it wont release any more of the lifeline, holding the worker in place until they are rescued. Other times, the hook or karabiner hits the housing at high speeds once the cable retracts, engaging the lock mechanism. Because of the added range of motion, SRLs are the better choice when you have the ability to use an overhead anchorage. What is the difference between occupational health and safety and workplace health and safety? When do workers have the right to refuse to work? Ensure Attachment Point Is Safe. A free fall may be more than 6 feet (1.8 m) provided the employer can demonstrate the manufacturer designed the system to allow a free fall of more than 6 feet and tested the system to ensure a maximum arresting force of 1,800 pounds (8 kN) is not exceeded. Deceleration distance means the vertical distance a falling employee travels from the point at which the deceleration device begins to operate, excluding lifeline elongation and free fall distance, until stopping. 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